Hello!

[chamgal]

Hello!

This is my first time on this website, and I thought I would just say "hello!" I currently do not own (nor have I ever owned) a chameleon, although I have been considering adding one to my family.

I have had and currently have a LARGE variety of pets, with herps included! Besides my four legged furry animals, I have owned a hi-yellow leopard gecko, and currently have an established colony of Land Hermit Crabs and a pair of Whites Tree frogs.

I want to do enough research on chameleons and make an informed decision. I have been leaning towards a male panther chameleon due to their amazing colors. I have been looking at the different caresheets online and have found that I could probably handle the care of this species. But there are different types of these species I have seen. Which would be recommended? Or what species in particular would be a good chameleon for a newbie?

I cannot wait for the responses! Thanks!

 

[jannb]

Welcome to the forums! Read this blog below......great info good for veileds and panthers. Jann
http://raisingkittytheveiledchameleon.blogspot.com/

 

[chamgal]

Does this material relate to Panthers too? Thanks for the link!

 

[summoner12]

Does this material relate to Panthers too? Thanks for the link!

Rooughly yes.....

Where are you located?

 

[chamgal]

Located in Manitoba, Canada. Not too much choice in the great North!
What are peoples thoughts on the Carpet Chameleon, the Senegal Chameleon and/or the Cape Dwarf Chameleon?

I do like the smaller size of those species, but it is hard to beat the coloring of the panthers (and some veiled chams). Are those species only WC and not very sociable? I would like a sociable species that doesn't mind the occasional "holding" or "trip outdoors" (ie. the backyard!)

 

[summoner12]

Located in Manitoba, Canada. Not too much choice in the great North!
What are peoples thoughts on the Carpet Chameleon, the Senegal Chameleon and/or the Cape Dwarf Chameleon?

I do like the smaller size of those species, but it is hard to beat the coloring of the panthers (and some veiled chams). Are those species only WC and not very sociable? I would like a sociable species that doesn't mind the occasional "holding" or "trip outdoors" (ie. the backyard!)

Chameleons are not social pets. They are more of the 'look but don't touch' kind of animal. They can be stressed by too much activity in the room or handling or other pets or other chameleons in view. They like to be high up, above your head if possible. They do however enjoy natural sunlight as any animal would. So if you had a cage setup outside for some time in the sun, they would most likely tolerate you and the small trip.

I have two veileds that I would regularly put in the sun. They got so used to the afternoon trip that when I opened the cage they would come down willingly. Unfortunately I don't get a good view of the sun with my new apt. and I don't work the same shift I used to (6am-2:30pm) that allowed me to take them outside all afternoon. Since they don't get the special treatment they aren't as 'friendly' or as easy to persuade to leave their cage like they used to be .

 

[kinyonga]

Here are some sites that you might like to read...
http://www.uvguide.co.uk/
http://adcham.com/
http://chameleonnews.com/
http://web.archive.org/web/20060502...als.com/vet/index.php?show=8.Gout.Basics.html

There's quite a lot to learn about supplements, looking after insects, proper lighting, etc. before you own any chameleon. WC chameleons can often have problems that you don't have to deal with if you have a CB from a good source.

 

[summoner12]

Another good site to get your basic care down and to get ya rolling is Brad Ramsey's care site.

 

[sandrachameleon]

Welcome!

I too have hermit crabs and white's tree frogs and panther chameleons

I think a male captive bred panther is a good chameleon to start with, though no chameleon is "easy care". Regardless of what type you get, playing with it and lots of handling isnt going to happen, or shouldnt. Like was previously said, these are 'look but don't touch' animals.

In addition to lots of reading at this forum, here are some other sites you may find useful to check:
https://www.chameleonforums.com/
http://www.adcham.com/
http://www.chameleonnews.com/
http://raisingkittytheveiledchameleon.blogspot.com/
http://chamworld.blogspot.com/
http://www.herpvetconnection.com
http://www.chamaeleonidae.com
http://www.animalarkshelter.org/cin/
http://www.exoticpetvet.com/breeds/chameleons.htm
http://www.chameleonsonline.com/
https://www.chameleonforums.com/general-care-true-chameleons-5943/
https://www.chameleonforums.com/links/chameleon-websites-2/

I've also collected together a bunch of useful links on specific issues within my blog.